"Teamwork is the ability to work together toward a common vision. The ability to direct individual accomplishments toward organizational objectives. It is the fuel that allows common people to attain uncommon results” -Andrew Carnegie

For two years we have had the pleasure and responsibility of Ieading a team effort of leaders across the state to develop a common vision for a more robust and dynamic bioscience industry in Virginia, proposing concrete steps policy makers could implement to help. And here, near the end, Carnegie’s quote rings more true than ever before to me as I survey the many groups of people we represent.

I would like to spotlight several examples now in the news, and add a corollary to Carnegie: a mindset to seek to create value in everything we do. Act to grow the pie, not simply take a slice.

Bioscience businesses, of course, have to collaborate to thrive. We are masters at it, "virtual biotechs” being the extreme case. Whether it’s working with the members within the organization, closing an important deal with a customer or partner that is good and incentivizing to all sides, or developing a new product with contractors and consultants, effective collaboration is the key to successes.

I have been amazed over the last months at the time and energy the great majority of General Assembly members bring to their responsibilities during the warp speed months of a Session. I have seen the impact that working together can have on getting things done, and getting good things done. Last weekend the House and Senate announced their versions of the state budget, and the bioscience R&D and the industry did not do as well as we hoped, or even as well as in the Governor’s budget. So we will be working over the remaining few weeks to try to improve that outcome, and continue to paint the vision for the months and years and Sessions ahead (to see current status of state policy initiatives, click here).

Agenus Inc. an immunotherapy company developing innovative treatments for cancer, has acquired privately-held PhosImmune Inc., a company that has discovered an entirely new portfolio of cancer neoantigens. This acquisition provides Agenus the ability to accelerate the development of new cancer vaccines and other single agent immuno-oncology approaches, as well as combination therapies.

Grisham wrote The Tumor to raise awareness and funds to help the Focused Ultrasound Foundation to accelerate the development and adoption of the technology to improve the lives of millions of people with serious medical disorders. While the book is free, he encourages the public to support the Foundation’s programs for research, education and advocacy.

Sanofi announced that the license and development agreement between Sanofi and kaléo, formerly Intelliject Inc., the developer of Auvi-Q® (epinephrine injection, USP), will terminate later this year. At that time, all U.S. and Canadian rights will be returned to kaléo. Sanofi is in discussions with kaléo on these terms and for an orderly transition plan. Kaléo will evaluate timing and options for bringing Auvi-Q back to market.

Kaléo has received a new patent for its medical device designed to quickly treat opioid overdoses, a problem that claims tens of thousands of lives each year. The latest patent is a significant milestone for Kaléo because it is the 100th patent that has been awarded to the company by domestic and international patent authorities.

Virginia’s burgeoning biotechnology sector was on full display in San Francisco as a broad cross section of industry leaders descended on the Bay Area J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference, the annual gathering that has become a must-stop for innovators, executives and dealmakers in the sector. In an effort to bring together the various Virginia interests at the sprawling conference, Darden Executive Education and biosciences advocacy group, Virginia Biotechnology Association, hosted a reception for roughly 200 Darden alumni and industry leaders on the sidelines of the conference.

A MoneyTree™ Report by PricewaterhouseCoopers and Venture Capital Association shows that venture investors deployed capital to 3,662 companies located in 33 Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSA) in 2015. Surprisingly, not all of these investments were in the largest metropolitan areas. Measuring the compound annual growth rate number of companies receiving venture capital funding since 2010, the Charlottesville, VA MSA has experienced the greatest growth of its ecosystem at 55.2 percent. Nine companies in the Charlottesville, VA MSA received $27.7 million in venture funding in 2015 compared to one company receiving $250,000 in 2010. Interestingly, the Charlottesville, VA MSA has also experienced the greatest rate of growth as measured by venture investment dollars with a 156.5 percent increase since 2010.

VCU President Michael Rao announced the four recipients of Commercialization of Research funding support through the Quest for Distinction Commercialization Fund This funding is dedicated to advancing VCU inventions to a more mature stage, “de-risking” these technologies, and improving their chances of being brought to market.

The ninth annual George Washington Carver Award will recognize an individual who has made a significant contribution to building the biobased economy by applying industrial biotechnology to create sustainable and environmentally friendlier products. The Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO) will begin accepting nominations for the Award February 01, 2016. The award will be presented at the 2016 World Congress on Industrial Biotechnology.

In other news, BIO released new Principles on the Value of Biopharmaceuticals. These voluntary Principles represent the first-ever systemic, industry-endorsed set of commitments by research-based biopharmaceutical companies to support comprehensive and sustainable solutions to improve patient access to and affordability of innovative medicines that are transforming how we treat and cure patients with once-devastating diseases.

Sanofi has launched a project to develop a vaccine against the Zika virus in the most decisive commitment yet by a major vaccine producer to fight the disease linked to multiple birth defects in Brazil. The French drugmaker said its Sanofi Pasteur vaccines division would use its expertise in developing vaccines for similar viruses such as yellow fever, Japanese encephalitis and, most recently, dengue.

Cadence, Inc. announced unaudited results for 2015 including a 17% increase in revenue compared to 2014 to $88.4 million. Earnings per share also increased 20% over prior year to $3.66 per share. Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization were up 11% to $15.8 million.

Governor Terry McAuliffe announced that Polykon Manufacturing, a joint venture between Seppic, Inc. and Schülke Inc., will invest more than $60 million to establish a manufacturing operation in Henrico County. Seppic and Schülke are entities of Air Liquide Healthcare. Virginia successfully competed against Ohio for the project, which will create approximately 50 new jobs.

The Greater Richmond Partnership was listed among “America’s Leading Economic Development Council” by Global Trade magazine in its February/March 2016 issue. The Partnership was named along with 17 other groups which span local, regional and state organizations.

One of the most respected research institutes at George Washington University (GW) is looking to officially start two new degree programs. Keith Crandall, the director of the Computational Biology Institute, said he has now proposed two educational degrees for the institute. By looking to other schools to expand and revamp degrees, he said the new programs could prepare students for the growing technology workforce

The Henrico Economic Development Authority (EDA) is thrilled to announce a major addition and enhancements to its staff and Board of Directors. Anthony (Toney) Hall has been promoted to Deputy Director, and Twyla Powell has been hired as the EDA's first Business Attraction Manager.New to the Board of Directors is Travis J. Pearson, Director of Markel Cambridge Alliance. In addition, S. Floyd Mays Jr. will serve as chair, Patrick R. Liverpool will act as vice chair, David Maiden will serve as treasurer, and Susan Warriner Custer will take over as secretary on the Board of Directors. The changes bring increased depth to the EDA team.

The LifeNet Health Institute of Regenerative Medicine (IRM) is taking a step toward the future of biomedical science and tissue engineering with the installation of a robotic “bioprinter” at its primary research and development facility in Virginia Beach. The Regenova 3D Bio Printer, a system developed by Japan based Cyfuse Biomedical K.K., allows three-dimensional tissues to be fabricated from specific kinds of cells. For instance, isolated cardiac cells could be “printed” into a form that would enable researchers to test whether a new medication could harm a person’s heart. This advancement establishes the IRM as a leading developer of crucial research tools that could drastically speed the process of drug discovery and identify potential safety risks earlier in the process than is currently possible.

Eager young students anxiously compete each year at the Virginia State Science and Engineering Fair hoping to win prizes, including the Mark Licata Biotechnology Award. Virginia Bio needs help from volunteer judges from our membership to select the top three winners in the field of biosciences. The time commitment is limited to a pre-event online review of the submissions to select the finalists and then a few hours onsite at the Fair to interview and select the final winners. The fair will take place on April 9 at Virginia Military Institute in Lexington, VA. Lunch is provided to all judges by the Fair. The process is extremely easy and, by all accounts, very rewarding.

Volunteer judges are also needed for the Virginia BioGENEius Challenge. Students submit their projects in either the categories of biotechnology, agriculture or industrial/ environmental science. The judging for the challenge is done virtually. Judges will be sent applicant information, abstracts and posters by April 8, and results will be due back to Virginia Bio on April 14. Winners from the state challenge will go on to compete in the U.S. National BioGENEius Challenge taking place during the BIO International Conference in San Francisco, CA in June.

For more information or to volunteer to judge either event, please email Sherri Halloran.

Dr. Rao, Director of Chem-Bio Programs at Parsons, was appointed to a four-year term by the Virginia Senate to the Research and Technology Investment Advisory Committee. He was nominated by VABIO as a member of the industry group to the advisory committee. He will serve as the industry representative on the advisory committee as a reviewer and advisor to the Commonwealth of Virginia initiatives in the biological and biotechnology related R&D and commercialization projects.

DPR Construction is a technical builder with a passion for results. A commercial contractor and construction manager focused on complex and sustainable projects for some of the world's most progressive and admired companies. Our technical expertise and collaborative style provide a higher level of service on projects of all sizes, whether a multi-million-dollar technical facility or renovation of a single office.

Iggbo connects laboratory, physicians, and phlebotomists to deliver high quality venipuncture services any time, any place. Designed as a complete solution for the entire laboratory testing process, Iggbo manages every aspect of diagnostic testing -- from the initial requisition to packing and shipping of samples.

Woods Rogers PLC has been serving clients in Virginia, and beyond, since 1893. Our largest practice areas by attorney count are Business and Corporate law and Labor and Employment law. Based in Roanoke, Woods Rogers has additional offices in Charlottesville, Danville, and Richmond.

FEBRUARY 25Event: Love Your Lab: Charlottesville Biotech & Beer Where: Former Indoor Biotechnologies Space, 1216 Harris St, Charlottesville, Virginia When: Thursday, Feb 25, 5:00-7:00 PMDetails: It's time to shake off the winter blues, make new connections and love your lab!Registration:Click here to register.MARCH 10Event: Virginia Bio Commercialization Luncheon - March 2016Where: Virginia Biotechnology Research Park, Richmond, VAWhen: Thursday, March 10, 11:30am - 1:30pmDetails: The Changing Landscape for Medical Device Companies
Medical devices help health care providers deliver quality health care services. From tongue depressors to pacemakers, from CT Scans to kidney dialysis machines, a wide array of medical devices are available. The United States has the largest medical device market in the world and is expected to continue growing very quickly. Investment in medical device research and development in the domestic sectors is more than twice the average for all U.S. manufactures.Panelists include: Elaine Horn-Ranney, President & CEO Tympanogen, Alan Connor, President & CEO Cadence, Gary Warren, President & CEO ivWatch
Registration:Click here to register.Sponsors: Greater Richmond Partnership, VCU Innovation Gateway, We Work For Health and the Virginia Biotechnology Research ParkMARCH 16-17Event: Southeast Venture Conference When: Wednesday, March 16-Thursday, March 17Details: Be a part of the exclusive 10th annual SEVC Conference which plays host to the most dynamic high-growth companies alongside those managing billions of dollars of investment capital.Registration:Virginia Bio Members receive discounted registration, please contact us for details and click here for additional information.APRIL 7Event: Southwest Virginia Life Science ForumWhere: Virginia Tech Carilion Research Institute, 2 Riverside Circle Roanoke, Virginia When: Thursday, April 7, 5:30PM-8:30PMDetails: Come meet other scientists from the region, get some new cutting-edge ideas, and maybe even come up with a collaboration or two. There will be appetizers and refreshments along with a poster session featuring representatives of academic, industry, and non-profit technology organizations.Registration:Click here to register.APRIL 12Event: BIO Legislative Day Fly-In 2016 Where: Reserve Officers Association, 1 Constitution Avenue NE, Washington, DCWhen: Tuesday, April 12, 2016Details: Once a year, BIO hosts the Legislative Day Fly-In, inviting biotechnology executives from across the country to come to Washington D.C. for a day and a half of legislative briefings and advocacy.Registration:Click here for additional information.APRIL 14Event:Virginia Bio Commercialization Luncheon - April 2016Where:Virginia Biotechnology Research Park, Richmond, VAWhen: Thursday, April 14, 11:30 AM-1:30 PMDetails: Iggbo is the future of professional phlebotomy. They connect phlebotomists, physicians, and labs to deliver high quality venipuncture services any time, any place. Designed as a complete solution for the entire laboratory testing process, Iggbo manages every aspect of the diagnostic testing -- from the initial requisition to packing and shipping of samples. Speakers include:Nuno Valentine, CEO, Iggbo and Shaiv Kapadia, Chief Medical Officer & Co-Founder, IggboRegistration:Click here to register.ABOUT VIRGINIA BIO
Virginia Bio, was formed in 1992 and incorporated in the Commonwealth of Virginia as a non-profit association. The purpose of the Association is to promote the biotechnology industry in Virginia, expand the knowledge and expertise of Virginia's businesses concerning biotechnology through seminars, educational publications and other means, to enhance public awareness of the biotechnology industry in Virginia and the scientific, economic and other benefits it provides, and to represent the interests of the biotechnology industry in Virginia before federal, state and local legislators and regulators. We provide a forum for members and their guests to get to know each other and the many bioscience companies operating today in Virginia and serving our biotech community. We coordinate information among the many agencies and organizations interested in biotechnology.

To learn more about Virginia Bio and how you can get involved, Click Here

This is the E-newsletter of Virginia Bio, a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting the Life Sciences community in the Commonwealth of Virginia. New subscribers can join at our website, www.vabio.org.
@@unsubscribe_url@